The dynamic contrast between embodiments of judgement and those of forgiveness is threaded throughout the Abrahamic beliefs of the Middle East, particularly in the Roman Catholic faith of Mexico, wherein particular note is placed upon not only Jesus as a forgiving figure in opposition of the Judeo-Christian God, but the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe as well. Rudolfo Anaya addresses his own struggles with this conflict of faith through the semi-autobiographical protagonist of 7-year-old Antonio “Tony” Márez, a young Catholic boy who explores these issues through Catholic and Pagan belief, and who holds an affinity for the Virgin Mary, in his seminal novel Bless Me, Ultima. Tony struggles between the opposing forces of his Catholic parents, neighbors,
